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Advocacy and Legislation

Photo of Patrice McCarthy Leading a March to the State Capitol

The success of Connecticut’s public schools relies on effective public policy and sufficient funding to ensure that all students excel. CABE advocates on behalf of boards of education in legislative and regulatory arenas at the state and federal levels, including the General Assembly and the State Board of Education. 

Our advocacy work ensures that the perspectives of boards of education are included in every legislative decision related to public education in Connecticut. The issues on which we engage have a direct impact on school district budgets, K-12 education policy, employer-employee relations, and the governance authority of every school board in the state.

Working with local school boards, CABE:

  • Monitors bills and influences the decision-making of the Executive Branch and General Assembly about the impact that proposed legislation will have on local school districts.
  • Testifies before all committees on public education issues affecting boards of education.
  • Represents school boards on task forces and commissions.
  • Mobilizes our members to inform and engage their elected officials, including participation in our annual Day On The Hill.
  • Hosts legislative breakfasts each winter in all nine CABE areas to bring legislators and school board members together to discuss key issues in the upcoming legislative session.
  • Leverages media outlets to advocate about key issues, through guest opinion pieces and other press coverage.
  • Publishes “View from the Capitol” updates in The CABE Journal to keep members informed about legislative activities.

2026 Legislative Priorities

During the 2026 legislative session, CABE is working to inform and engage legislators and other policy-makers on many critical issues. We have identified the following four issues as our highest priorities:

  • Invest in programs that promote the training, hiring and retention of educators of diverse backgrounds, increase opportunities for districts’ / RESC’s “grow your own” programs and reduce red tape and cost burdens.
  • Support the State Department of Education’s funding request for the expansion of the pilot program to enable districts to support the continued need for counselors and mental health staff.

Additional Resources

  • CABE’s 2026 Whole Agenda: a detailed look at our positions on key issues in public education

For more information about CABE’s advocacy work, contact Sheila McKay, Associate Executive Director for Government Relations.